The Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved a nearly $2.48 million project this week to create a waterfront park on Ashton Road. The cost for the site, about 5 miles south of downtown Sarasota, includes $1.94 million to acquire 2.4 acres with access to Phillippi Creek.
At 2401 Ashton Road, the property the county voted to acquire is currently owned by a trustee of the Peter M. Morton Revocable Living Trust. It contains 410 feet of frontage along Phillippi Creek as well as a single-family home built in 1979 and a 115-foot dock.
Both the residence and the dock were damaged in hurricanes Helene and Milton. County officials say they will evaluate the residence for operational functionality and if it does not have an appropriate use, it may be demolished. Native vegetation on the property includes mangroves, cabbage palms and live oak…